Clear Aligners with an Orthodontist vs At-Home Aligners: What’s the Real Difference?

You've probably seen ads for at-home aligner kits that promise straight teeth without office visits. While the idea sounds convenient, there are big differences between mail-order aligners and treatment from a licensed doctor, like our Englewood and Beavercreek Orthodontist, Dr. Brenda O’Brien!

Here’s how braces and in-office Invisalign compare to at-home aligners:

	Braces/Clear Aligners	At-Home Kits
Supervision	Diagnosed, planned, executed, and monitored regularly by a specialist	DIY impressions
Customization	Fully customized plans, with the ability to adjust as needed	Limited scope; not designed for complex cases
Risk	Professional oversight to prevent damage	No in-person monitoring means more risk of issues going unnoticed
Eligibility	Suitable for a wide range of bite and alignment issues	Only relatively mild cosmetic cases

 

The American Association of Orthodontists has raised concerns about the safety of mail-order orthodontics. You can see their position here.

At O’Brien Orthodontics in Beavercreek and in Englewood, we believe in safe, personalized care, whether you choose braces or Invisalign. You’ll always know that a certified orthodontist is treating you, and have peace of mind from start to finish.

Want to compare your options? Book a consultation at our Beavercreek or Englewood office today.